Young people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire secure their next steps with Futures
Results time is a key point in the academic calendar, where students across the country prepare to move from one phase of education to the next.
Recent figures have shown that just 0.4% of 16–18-year-olds across Nottingham have been classed as Not Known – a percentage that continues to reduce year on year while both national and wider regional figures show increases.
Due to the success in locating young people who have historically been Not Known, Nottingham’s NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) figures has seen a slight increase, alongside a 2.21ppt increase in young people who have successfully been placed in education, employment or training. This puts Nottingham at 4th place in the Core Cities league table, with almost 92% of young people placed. The local figures show a higher success rate than the national average, which is down 0.7ppts year on year.
There has also been success across Nottinghamshire, with NEET figures continuing to be down year on year and coming in below the national and regional averages for students who have not been tracked into successful destinations. Across the area, 95.2% of young people have been placed in EET, up 2.5% from last year, which puts us at 2nd place across the counties.
At Futures, we continue to show our commitment to the young people of Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County, striving to reduce the number of those leaving education becoming NEET or Not Known, and implementing support strategies to assist anyone who is at risk.
It is fantastic to see consistent yearly decreases in the number of Not Known and NEET young people across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Our NEET Team works year-round to ensure that they are securing the futures of the young people in our local areas, and the positive results we have seen this year are a testament to their hard work and dedication in supporting those young people. Jennie Willock, CEO of Futures
We work closely with both councils to improve the outcomes of young people across the board.
Cllr Boyd Elliott, Chairman of Overview & Scrutiny at Nottinghamshire County Council, said that the council had always taken a proactive and innovative approach to the NEET issue, looking at new and engaging ways to get young people engaged in work, training or education.
Cllr Elliott, who has been a director at Futures for eight years, said this approach is seeing improving NEET figures across the county.
We look at statistics from a number of areas and then target support to those areas that most need it. Recently, we opened at new Futures office in Mansfield to support young people to get to the next stage. “Although we see an improving picture in the county, we know there’s a long way to go, so we’re committed to doing all we can in the coming years to make sure young people get the advice and support they need to help them get on the right path. Cllr Boyd Elliot, Nottinghamshire County Council
Councillor Steve Battlemuch, Portfolio Holder for Skills, Growth and Economic Development at Nottingham City Council, said:
Ensuring all young people in Nottingham are given every opportunity to succeed in work and life is a priority for us. This commitment from Futures to find and engage with 16 and 17-year-olds in Nottingham is both positive and encouraging. “It ensures NEET teams are able to provide targeted support to those who need it the most, helping them make a positive transition into education, employment or training. Cllr Steve Battlemuch, Nottingham City Council
Part of our commitment includes making sure young people are fully educated about the range of options available to them. In supporting them to access further education, enrol on an apprenticeship or enter the world of employment, we ensure young people across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire can access secure and sustainable options for their future.
During the results period, our help is more important than ever, and our teams are on hand to provide advice and guidance to students who are feeling lost, concerned, or unsure about their futures.
